The Ondo State Government has withheld the WASSCE results and school testimonials of 17 graduating students over misconduct during a controversial sign-out celebration in Akure.
The sanction followed an emergency meeting convened by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology after videos of the incident circulated widely on social media.
The affected students were drawn from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College and CAC Grammar School, all located in Akure.
According to the ministry, the students were seen in viral videos tearing their school uniforms, disrupting public order and chanting inappropriate slogans shortly after completing their final examinations.
As part of disciplinary measures announced after a meeting with school administrators, the students’ results and testimonials were withheld indefinitely.
The ministry also directed that the names of the affected students be entered into a newly created misconduct register, while principals across the state were instructed to maintain similar records for disciplinary cases.
School officials in the affected institutions were issued queries over alleged supervisory lapses that allowed the celebrations to spiral into disorder.
The government further ordered the expulsion of any non-graduating student found to have participated in the incident.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said while students have the right to celebrate academic achievements, such celebrations must be conducted responsibly.
He warned that the state would not tolerate actions capable of undermining discipline and the reputation of educational institutions.
Ajibefun added that the government remains committed to preserving standards and discipline within the state’s education system.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akindele Ige, urged school principals to promptly report disruptive incidents to Zonal Education Offices before they escalate.
Parents and the affected students have been invited to the ministry to receive official notifications of the sanctions.
